[December 13, 2017]CHICAGO -- The Chicago
Blackhawks' quality of play isn't where Joel Quenneville would like,
but when they find ways to win games like they have lately, the
coach takes it as a step in the right direction.

The Blackhawks erased a third-period deficit and Patrick Kane scored
in overtime as the Blackhawks extended their winning streak to three
games with a 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.

Kane scored with 2:36 remaining in overtime for Chicago, which tied
the game in the third period. Corey Crawford made 35 saves to help
preserve the victory for the Blackhawks, who also got a goal and an
assist apiece from Brandon Saad and Jonathan Toews.

Chicago swept its three-game homestand, including a pair of overtime
victories. But, with a tough stretch starting Thursday in Winnipeg
against the red-hot Jets, Quenneville continues to search for
improved play.

"We need to be better," Quenneville said. "And it's always us with
the puck."

The Blackhawks won despite being out-shot 17-4 in the second period
when Florida -- playing the second of a back-to-back following an
overtime win in Detroit on Monday -- controlled the pace of play.

But Crawford kept the Blackhawks in the game until Toews drew
Chicago even with 6:02 remaining. Toews took a pass from Saad and
slipped a shot just inside the left post to beat Florida goalie
James Reimer, who finished with 25 saves.

The Blackhawks kept up the pressure for the final six minutes but
couldn't come up with the game-winner until Kane tallied his 11th
goal of the season.

"You want to lead (in) games," Saad said. "But for us to be able to
battle back, whatever time in the game it is, it shows a lot of
character for us to stick with the game, doing the right things, and
the pucks will go in for us."

Florida took a 2-1 lead less four minutes into the third period. The
Panthers took advantage of a Chicago turnover and translated it into
a 2-on-1, which Jamie McGinn finished off when he took a pass from
Vincent Trocheck and fired a shot just under the crossbar.

After Saad scored in the first for Chicago, the Panthers drew even
at the 11:12 mark of the second period on a breakaway goal by Nick
Bjugstad, who broke free and drew Crawford out of position.

Despite playing on short rest, the Panthers gave Chicago everything
it could handle.

"I thought it was a gutsy effort on our part," Florida coach Bob
Boughner said. "I thought that we got contributions from the lineup.
We all played hard. We played 60 minutes. You know back-to-back is
never easy, especially against a team like this."

Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad (20) celebrates his goal against
the Florida Panthers during the first period at United Center.
Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

After the Blackhawks rallied in the third period, the Panthers
couldn't respond and had to settle for taking a point in the
overtime loss.

"I don't think you can be satisfied when you don't win the game,"
McGinn said. "We played well enough to win and come out of here with
two points. ... It's disappointing, but we'll take the positives."

That's what the Blackhawks will do as they continue to attempt to
find their footing. But, after finding creative ways to win their
last three games, Toews and his teammates will build off what they
were able to accomplish in making critical plays when needed.

"Those three games are must-win games, so it was nice to play well
late and find ways to win games maybe if we don't play our best
hockey, especially in the (second) period," Toews said. "I think it
gives us confidence that we can find some ways to score late goals,
take the lead and come back and down a goal late and win in
overtime."

NOTES: Panthers G James Reimer finished his first back-to-back with
a start in net Tuesday. Reimer, who allowed just one goal in an
overtime victory against Detroit on Monday, got the nod over Harri
Sateri as Roberto Luongo remains sidelined with an upper-body
injury. ... Florida D Ian McCoshen, RW Radim Vrbata and LW Dryden
Hunt were scratched. ... Blackhawks LW Patrick Sharp played his
900th career game. ... RW Richard Panik did not play for the first
time this season and was a healthy scratch. Panik, who has not
scored in 21 games dating to Oct. 21, did not skate with the line
rushes at Tuesday's morning skate. Panik was replaced by Ryan
Hartman, who had been a healthy scratch the last three games. ... D
Cody Franson did not play and remains day-to-day with an upper-body
injury. Jordan Oesterle started in Franson's absence and was paired
with Duncan Keith.